Gear Guide

Top 5 Men’s Frontside Carving Ski Reviews

November 5th, 2014

If you like to cruise groomers, hold on ice and punish the steeps our selection of the 2015 top men’s frontside carving skis will help you capitalize on all that time you spent improving your technique. A pair of skis specifically designed for carving allows you to finish your turns on the steeps and better control your speed without “sliding”. If you ski the resort and like to impress with your turns, frontside skis are far superior to many of their all mountain brethren, especially for advanced to expert skiers. They are also great options for your local beer league ski races. Specifications include more torsional stiffness in the tip and tail to generate powerful turns and better performance on the ice and hardpack. So find your magic for arcing hard.

Head i.Supershape Titan

A new shape is designed to deliver automatic hookup in the tip, even at lower speeds / edge angles.

The Head i.Supershape Titan is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert skiers looking for a versatile frontside carving ski (70% frontside/30% off-piste). “It is built for maximum hard-snow integrity, with full sidewalls for edge grip; metal reinforcement for damp solidity at speed; and classic laminate layup for integrity. The integration of piezoelectronics is really the differentiator. This technology turns mechanical energy into electrical energy, to ensure rigidity and grip at higher speeds and allows the ski to relax at slower speeds. Ski innovation or at least ski marketing at its finest!”

Blizzard X-Power 770 IQ

Amazing blend of new technology with full vertical sidewalls and amazing edge grip.

The Blizzard X-Power 770 IQ is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate male adult skiers as a performance carving ski that will tackle the hardpacked groomers and scratchy afternoon conditions of most resorts (especially in the East Coast and Midwest). The ski’s tip & tail rocker help skiers engage their turns. The modest price-tag is a surprise as the construction utilizes the best materials on the market.

Nordica Fire Arrow 76 Ti

Two skis in one with a stable GS body and an easy turning slalom tip for edge hold and stability.

The Fire Arrow 76 Ti is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced male skiers with the skills and physical conditioning to handle a race-like carving ski (90% frontside/10% off-piste). The ski is quick and explosive, and will lay trenches in the groomers for days.

Rossignol Pursuit 16

High-performance carving ski loaded with world cup tech and horsepower for technical skiers.

The Rossignol Pursuit 16 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced men looking for a carving ski speed machine with race-like construction (100% frontside/0% off-piste). Feel confident laying deep arcs on both hardpacked and scratchy afternoon snow conditions. The construction highlights explosive power between turns with a touch of reverse camber in the tip to easy roll from edge to edge at high speeds.

Women’s Top Freeride and Off-Piste Skis

November 5th, 2014

After months of dryland preparation you’ll be thankful for your strong legs out on the slopes this season. But if you crave traversing the sidecountry and treking to the back bowls as much as you do carving up the groomers, you may want to consider a pair of freeride and off-piste skis for your next adventure. We’ve compiled a list of top women’s ski reviews for this season with widths around the 100mm underfoot range to make every day count. So check them out or try or famous ski finder. Think snow.

Floatation to handle the deep days and also the stability and edge grip for groomers.

The Salomon Q-103 Stella is recommended for intermediate to expert adult women skiers looking for an everyday freeride ski (40% frontside / 60% off-piste). This ski is first in the lift line for a powder day and the honeycomb tip gives it a lighter swing weight to easily carve turns on the frontside. At 103mm underfoot, it is better suited for Western resorts.

The Volkl Aura is recommended for intermediate to advanced female skiers, this is the ‘ladies first’ freeride ski rebuttal to the perennial powerhouse, the Mantra (50% frontside/50% off-piste). Ski this on the East or West coast with full confidence. The width and rocker allow for soft snow play, while the metal core and side-cut retain the skis versatile, hard snow performance. A true all mountain ski.

The Blizzard Samba is recommended for advanced to expert adult women as a wider freeride ski for Western resorts (50% frontside / 50% off-piste). A bit softer flex than the male version (Kabookie), but a rockered tip and traditional camber make the Samba perfectly suited for bumps, trees and resort powder days.

Best suited for skiers who know they’ll ski as much hardpack as powder.

The Head Venturi 95 is recommended for advanced to expert level skiers as a one-ski-quiver for big mountain adventures (65% frontside/35% off-piste). Testers found the Venturi 95 great for carving and average for playfulness, commenting on the ski’s quickness and stability. Tech details include impact-resistant sidewalls and a sandwich cap construction that’s a combo of world cup sandwich with a cap that wraps over the sidewall tops only. When pushing it on the hardpack this provides stability under foot, quick on edge-to-edge control and a lively tail. Back off the gas and it’s perfectly adept at squirreling around in trees in search of powder.

Best New Twin Tip Ski Reviews

October 31st, 2014

Best new twin tip ski recommendations and ski gear guide reviews for those looking to boost the tables, slide the rails, ride the pipe and hit natural features! If your a newschooler who likes to land backwards and partake in generally gibberish behavior on the ski slopes then we’ve got your back. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned skier these twin tips allow you to do things other models can’t but still provide high performance on the usual tracks. Check out our reviews and leave a comment if you have any questions. Keep your tips up.

SkiGenie 2015 Supernatural Awards for the Twin Tip Ski Category.

One stop shopping for an energetic ski that does it all from park to pow.

The Salomon Rocker2 100 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced adult skiers as a freeride ski capable of stomping table tops in the park (50% frontside / 50% off-piste). Building on a tradition of signature freeski’s, this twin tip ski version gives park focused riders from the East to West Coast’s the optionality to transition into the powder and crud.

Dance through the trees, float through the powder, and party through the park.

The Nordica Soul Rider is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a pair of jibbing twin tip ski (40% frontside/60% off-piste). With its huge tip the Soul begs to be bent and carved, but mount it a few clicks back for improved carving. Don’t count on it in powder – it’s too narrow.

The Rossignol Slat is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert level skier looking for a park and pipe ski that can progress from big air and natural features to carving on the frontside (50% frontside/50% park & pipe). A crossover twin tip ski that is wider than most park skis allowing the pros to quickly shift gears from stomping landings to carving turns. The softer “buttery” flex is fun, but keep them off the icy steeps.

New thoroughbred twin tip was designed with pro specifications in mind.

The Fischer Nightstick is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to expert level skiers looking for a park and pipe ski that can handle everything from the halfpipe to carving the frontside (30% frontside/70% park & pipe). This ski is designed with symmetrical sidecut for maneuverability forwards and backwards and a reduced swing weight thanks to the beech poplar wood core and carbon technology. The Nightstick allows you to be quick on your feet and the extra sheet of metal under the binding aids in stability on the rails. All is complete with matte black graphics for a hot look while doing your thing.

Best Freeride Ski Reviews for Men

October 30th, 2014

Freeride ski equipment is the hottest new ski category. As a cross between powder and all mountain skis, the freeride category is a favorite among advanced and expert skiers who have mastered the mountain. These skis are generally 100-110mm underfoot, with a 20-25m radius, torsional stiffness, carving ability and plenty of surface area to float through the powder and cut through the crud. Our men’s best of 2015 review list will provide you ultimate access to go where others won’t without sacrificing performance on-piste at the resort. We recommend you choose a size longer than you might with a traditional pair and go with an early rise tip or moderate rocker, but not full powder rocker. So check out the cool new graphics for this season’s top selections and get out and enjoy the pow, bumps, trees, cliff jumps and even the hardpacked!

Blizzard Cochise

The Blizzard Cochise is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert adult male skiers as an all-mountain freeride ski (40% frontside / 60% off-piste) perfect for the varying terrain and snow conditions at Western resorts. The ski’s softer feel will benefit those cruising through crud and trees, but, despite having a little more camber, it will not perform well on the hardpack and ice.

Salomon Q-LAB

The guts of race skis, optimized now for a lighter freeride application.

The Salomon Q-Lab is recommended by SkiGenie for expert adult male skiers as an all-mountain utility ski that does not sacrifice frontside performance (50% frontside / 50% off-piste). Built with 42 vertical laminates and 2 sheets of metal, the Q-Lab’s gradual rocker and best-in-class torsional stiffness not only allow skiers to command firm edges at high speeds, but also delivers them a playful feeling in the moguls and trees.

Line Supernatural 100

The Line Supernatural 100 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced adult male skiers looking for an all-mountain freeride ski that receives top accolades for its performance on the groomers, moguls and in choppy conditions (45% frontside / 55% off-piste). The Line Supernatural 100 replaces its predecessor the Influence 105, and its reduced waist width and softer flex allow for quicker turns making the ski well suited for the East Coast.

Volkl Mantra

The undisputed original all mountain freeride ski, excelling in any snow conditions.

The Volkl Mantra is recommended by SkiGenie for the advanced to expert male skiers looking for a ski that will lay deep trenches on the front side and hang with the big boys on the backside (60% frontside/40% off-piste). This year’s design updates, such as the moderate rocker, may take away from groomer performance yet improve versatility off-piste.

Nordica NRGy 100

A combination of power and energy for the West Coast scene.

The Nordica NRGy100 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced male skiers looking for a true one-ski quiver (50% frontside/50% off-piste). This is a smooth, crisp and energetic with versatility in the big mountain and great for western terrain.

Blizzard Bonafide

It’s a Master. This ski will let you fly from East Coast ice to the back bowl crud and bumps.

The Blizzard Bonafide is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert male adult skiers looking for an all-mountain ski with a freeride bias (60% frontside / 40% off-piste). The Bonafide sports 2 sheets of metal which allows for maximum edge hold on hard snow and the width to play all over the mountain. It is recommended for strong skiers capable of bending a stiffer ski. This ski put Blizzard on the map and it is here to stay.

Fischer Ranger 96 Ti

A freeride ski with great versatility for off-piste and sidecountry.

The Fischer Ranger 96 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for an all-purpose freeride ski (40% frontside/60% off-piste). After years of perfecting a freeride line, this ski deserves high marks for its performance across soft snow conditions. The lack of metal in the construction allows for a softer “buttery” flex and is recommended for sidecountry and skinning due to the square flat tail.

Head Venturi 95

Best suited for skiers who know they’ll ski as much hardpack as powder.

The Head Venturi 95 is recommended for advanced to expert level skiers as a one-ski-quiver for big mountain adventures (65% frontside/35% off-piste). Testers found the Venturi 95 great for carving and average for playfulness, commenting on the ski’s quickness and stability. Tech details include impact-resistant sidewalls and a sandwich cap construction that’s a combo of world cup sandwich with a cap that wraps over the sidewall tops only. When pushing it on the hardpack this provides stability under foot, quick on edge-to-edge control and a lively tail. Back off the gas and it’s perfectly adept at squirreling around in trees in search of powder.

Women’s Best All Mountain Downhill Ski Reviews

October 28th, 2014

The hardest thing about choosing skis is not selecting between manufacturers and lengths, it’s simply a skier’s indecisiveness about equipment type. Alpine skiing is an outdoor activity and mother nature is unpredictable so out of necessity, all manufacturers market their skis as “x” and “y” but all mountain. However, it is important that you select a true all mountain ski for all the right reasons. What are the right reasons? You travel and ski different resorts often, you only ski a few days a year, you always stick to resort terrain, but you like to go fast, carve big turns, handle icy conditions and occasionally hit the back bowls if the conditions are right. This is the most common skier persona but it is still important to think about. True all mountain downhill skis for women live near the 85-95mm range underfoot and it often depends if you plan to ski on the east coast or west coast more frequently. We are here to help and this guide will provide you with the best women’s all mountain downhill ski reviews and buyer’s guide selections for the upcoming season. Tackle the resort groomers, eastern ice, western tree lines, steep moguls and occasional powder!

Nordica Nemesis

Downhill Skis that eliminate the lapse that many rockered skis have had on hardpack.

The Nordica Nemesis is recommended for advanced to expert females as a western all mountain ski (40% frontside/60% off-piste). The updated tip and tail design make this year’s Nemesis more maneuverable in the powder and a dependable backcountry ski.

Line Soul Mate 90

The Line Soul Mate 90 is recommended for intermediate adult women looking for a tamer all mountain ski (50% frontside / 50% off-piste). Good for women who like to turn and control their speed, the Soul Mate is responsive and easy to ski, but not recommended for those trying to chase Lyndsay Vonn down the mountain.

Blizzard Black Pearl

Elevate your game on trail and off trail with a ski that is amazing in every condition imaginable.

The Blizzard Black Pearl is recommended for intermediate to advanced adult women as an all mountain freeride ski capable of fast resort skiing and the occasional powder day (70% frontside / 30% off-piste) on the East or West coast. With camber underfoot, the Black Pearl downhill skis command grip on the groomers but comes with a width that allows for all mountain exploration.

Nordica Wild Belle

Women’s equivalent to the NRGy, an all mountain ski with camROCK to increase the versatility.

The Nordica Wild Belle is recommended for intermediate to advanced women looking for a solid all-around ski (75% frontside/25% off-piste). It has a more playful tip and tail shape that allows it to float through powder and variable snow, while absorbing bumps. These shape modifications slightly affect the ski’s ability to grip ice.

Fischer KOA 88

Air Tec Ti for better performance with less weight.

The Fischer KOA 88 is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert level skiers as a one-ski-quiver for all mountain freeski fanatics (55% frontside/45% off-piste). Fischer is known for high performance sidewalls and this ski holds an edge so well it provides confidence for going fast or navigating icy conditions. The addition of Freeski rocker compliments its agility and creates a shorter contact length to ensure that the ski’s turn initiation is effortless.

Rossignol Temptation 84

Heart of a high-performance carving machine with an effortless freeride feel.

The Rossignol Temptation 84 is recommended for intermediate women looking for an all mountain resort ski (80% frontside/20% off-piste). Point these skis downhill and feel confident cruising at speed or controlling your speed on more difficult terrain. Excellent for Western resort corduroy. For the same confident feel, East Coast skiers should consider the Temptation 80.

Atomic Vantage Polarity

Ideal for less-experienced All Mountain ladies looking to cruise the groomers and dabble off-piste.

The Atomic Vantage Polarity is recommended for intermediate adult women skiers as a fun all mountain vehicle, with a frontside trail bias (70% frontside / 30% off-piste). These skis provide better snow contact creating grip and stability while carving turns. Also in the Vantage family, the Elysian and Supreme have wider widths for advanced skiers looking to conquer more adventurous terrain.

Top Powder Skis Buyer’s Guide for Female Skiers

October 28th, 2014

The technology for powder skis has advanced over the past few years. Top ski manufacturers now offer not only the latest and greatest in shorter sizes and with a softer flex, but have reshaped the molds and re-engineered the guts of powder skis to cater specifically to the female skier. For more information, see our article on 2015 women’s ski trends. All in all, this season there are some great ski options for ladies to explore the powder, backcountry, big mountain and much more. If you just finished watching Lyndsay Dyer’s Pretty Faces capitalize on the inspiration and get yourself a new pair of sticks. Below is our analysis on the best female powder skis buyer’s guide for aspiring powder hounds and backcountry skiing enthusiasts.

Volkl One Womens

Taper in the nose and tail allow this ski to go anywhere you point it with confidence.

The Volkl One Womens is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert women skiers, looking for next level of powder skiing (90% off-piste / 10% frontside). This is Volkl’s best powder specific ski yet, and one of the best deep powder and big mountain skis on the market. Easy to ski and super stable but with plenty of float.

Blizzard Gunsmoke

All-around weapon that makes pow skiing effortless.

The Blizzard Gunsmoke is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced women adult skiers looking for twin tip powder skis for resort and backcountry terrain (30% frontside / 70% off-piste). While the Gunsmoke is mainly advertised as a men’s ski, this ski is not stiff and will be forgiving and playful in softer conditions and deep powder days and as a result is a great option for women.

Nordica La Nina

Rockered, blunt-nosed ski perfect for those deep tree lines.

The Nordica La Nina is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate female skiers looking for user friendly backcountry powder skis (30% frontside/70% off-piste). A forgiving ski that is great for those just looking to get outside the lines and ski some white, fluffy stuff.

Line Pandora

Light, nimble and fun feel and geometry to surf pow while maintaining plenty of control on firm snow.

The Line Pandora is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert adult women skiers looking for a powder specific ski with the latest technology in construction (20% frontside / 80% off-piste). Powerful when it has to be and nimble when you ask it to be, this ski design benefits from an early taper tip and tail giving it a surfy feel. Allow these graphics to make a statement in a lift line near you.

Head Big Joy

A dramatically different women’s ski with high scores for versatility and float.

The Head Big Joy is recommended for advanced female skiers looking for a non-nonsense bomber that does it all (30% frontside/70% off-piste). It’s the Holy Grail of light and strong wood core is reinforced with graphene, a sheet of carbon one atom thick that earned its developers the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics. A rockered tip floats in the deep, and low-profile camber in the rest carves on groomed. It’s more directional than smeary, but it craves speed. For ladies who like to go big, especially if you take a heli trip or frequent the Wasatch, Jackson or AK.

Atomic Century 109

Super light build, a fat waist and powder rocker for flotation and sprocket power boosters.

The Atomic Century 109 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to expert adult women skiers as powder skis (30% frontside / 70% off-piste). The ski performs well at most Western resorts known for softer snow conditions, but the lightweight poplar wood core makes it difficult to drive on the hardpack.

Rossignol Savory 7

The Rossignol Savory 7 is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced women looking for an all-purpose freeride ski (30% frontside/70% off-piste). After years of perfecting the new freeride line, this ski deserves high marks for its performance across snow conditions. On the trail the Savory 7 initiates turns easily. On the steeps and in soft snow, the lightweight tip and tail reduce swing weight and increase maneuverability without sacrificing stability (fully explained here). The snow contact edge is decreased due to rocker, so choose a longer pair.

10 Best Powder Ski Reviews for Men

October 25th, 2014

The secret stash is calling. Find and research the MEN’S best powder ski gear guide reviews to shred the gnar this season! No matter where you ski, we all seek to get away from the crowds and find a secret stash of uncorrupted powder on a far away ridge line. When selecting the best powder skis it is important to consider the type of terrain you plan to ski. All these skis will provide sufficient float on the deepest of powder days but if you are looking for something that transitions well in and out of bounds the lower half of the list (less than 115mm underfoot) is recommended. If you prefer to stick to the big mountain or slip off into the backcountry, go big (in length and width) and try one of the top dogs greater than 115mm.

SkiGenie 2015 Supernatural Awards for the Men’s Powder Ski Category.

(planks organized by descending waist width).

Volkl Three

Got powder ski surfers? Surf’s up.

The Volkl Three is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert male skiers, looking for the next level of powder ski (100% off-piste). This is Volkl’s widest ski yet, and one of the best deep powder and big mountain skis on the market. Skier’s who are unsure about the daunting 135mm waist width, but looking for a similar build, should consider Volkl Two (124mm) or One (107mm).

Line Eric’s Magnum Opus

Impossibly light powder ski crafted from futuristic materials.

The Line Magnum Opus is recommended by SkiGenie for expert adult male skiers as a superlight, freestyle and powder specific ski (10% frontside / 90% off-piste). As the latest generation in a long line of award winning designs, this ski has been meticulously retooled to allow for maximum float and decreased drag. Great for dropping pillows in the backcountry and navigating big mountain lines. The only thing missing is a private helicopter.

Atomic Bent Chetler

Agility and stability combined, this ski is ridden by the world’s best skiers.

The Atomic Bent Chetler is recommended by SkiGenie for serious adult powder and big mountain skiers (20% frontside / 80% off-piste). This ski is unlike any of its predecessors. The new technology, with less effective edge touching the snow, allows it to plane smoothly and you’ll catch fewer tips in soft snow. Additionally, the decreased waist width allows for better edge control without losing float in the powder (tip and tail width remain the same). This ski is used by the best…

Fischer Big Stix 122

A tool for true freaks who take no prisoners when they attack the big mountain

The Fischer Big Stix 122 is recommended by SkiGenie for larger than life powder and backcountry skiers looking to tame the big mountain (20% frontside/80% off-piste). A woodcore sandwich construction make this a powerful ski in the backcountry and also allows you to cut through the crud. The most progressive ski in the lineup with a tapered tip and tail sidecut and less camber underfoot. The sidecut geometry is built for extreme jumps and spins. If you don’t ski the West Coast and aren’t confident going BIG on waist width, try the Big Stix 110.

Rossignol Super 7

Balls-to-the-wall big-mountain pow-slayer.

The Rossignol Super 7 is recommended by SkiGenie for larger framed advanced to expert level powder skiers looking to ski their asses off on the big mountain (0% frontside/100% off-piste). The modified construction excludes metal, producing a more supple feel for precision on the tough lines. Super 7 will give any filmmaker confidence handling high speed runouts while filming an epic run on a helmet cam! For smaller framed skiers the Soul 7 is recommended.

Head Cyclic 115

Nimble when you need it to be but with camber underfoot for strong edge hold.

The Head Cyclic 115 is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert level skiers for backside and powder exploration (25% frontside/75% off-piste). With World Cup-quality wood core on the inside, the Cyclic is an ex-racers dream. It’s stable at high speeds and punishes chopped-up snow. It’s also easy to maneuver in tight spaces—as long as you’re balanced and alert: it’s not a lazy skier’s choice. It locks into a smooth, round, 19-meter-radius arc. The perfect ski for your typical resort powder day—say, eight inches of new snow on top of a firm but chalky base.

Blizzard Gunsmoke

Playful resort powder specific rocker ski.

The Blizzard Gunsmoke is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced male adult skiers looking for a twin tip powder ski for resort and backcountry terrain (30% frontside / 70% off-piste). This ski is not stiff and will be forgiving and playful in softer conditions and deep powder days.

Nordica Helldorado

Built for speed, power and all-condition mountain stomping domination.

The Nordica Helldorado is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert male skiers looking to be king of the mountain (30% frontside/70% off-piste). This is a stiff ski for a strong man. Sporting two sheets of metal and a vertical sidewall, it arcs on the open hardpack and maintains stability at high speeds when your straight-lining backcountry chutes. Made for Whistler, BC, the 113mm underfoot also enable flotation in the soft stuff.

Line Sick Day 110

The Line Sick Day 110 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced adult male skiers looking for a midrange powder ski (30% frontside / 70% off-piste). This ski is capable of long cruising turns and is fun and playful. Calling all jibbers: with no metal in the construction, this one is for you.

Atomic Automatic 109

Built for charging on deep days, inbounds or out.

The Atomic Automatic 109 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced adult male skiers looking for a powder ski (40% frontside / 60% off-piste). As the middle-fat child in the Automatic family, the ski balances the right width underfoot to tame the resorts with enough girth to sneak off into the side country. Good for skiers who crave a lighter weight ski (no metal) and a surfy feel.

Top 10 Best All Mountain Skis for Men

October 23rd, 2014

Best 2015 all mountain ski reviews and ski gear guide for MEN to tackle the corduroy, ice, tree lines, bumps and occasional powder! If you are planning to do a handful of ski trips this year wouldn’t it be nice to have a new pair of all mountain skis in your quiver? Unless you are lucky enough to live in a 24/7 powder paradise, these all mountain skis can handle just about any conditions mother nature throws at you — and ski it well. For east coasters, try something in the 90mm underfoot range and for west coasters go big or go home and get yourself a pair of ~100mm skis. See our ski reviews below specifically focused on your personal ability and usage preferences and find your magic for the mountain today.

Rossignol Experience 100

The Rossignol Experience 100 is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert level skiers as a one-ski-quiver for all mountain ski fanatics (50% frontside/50% off-piste). As a replacement to the Experience 98, this ski features Air Tip technology, which means combining more camber for gripping and carving on the trails, with a softer flex and rocker that permits skiers to bend their skis and glide in the back bowls and trees. At 100mm underfoot, it also offer plenty of float for the occasional powder day.

Atomic Vantage Theory

Carbon Backbone construction is super lightweight, strong and stable.

The Atomic Vantage Theory is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced adult male skiers as an all-mountain specific ski with a freeride look (60% frontside / 40% off-piste). This ski prefers mid to long radius turns and handles well at speed due to its full woodcore and titanium backbone.

Nordica NRGy 90

The most modern and versatile all mountain skis with significantly easier turn initiation.

The Nordica NRGy90 is recommended by SkiGenie for beginner to intermediate male skiers looking for a ski that is light and quick yet rewarding at higher speeds (70% frontside/30% off-piste). The sidecut enables fast, long arcs and the width will give you confidence and performance on the groomers, bumps, crud and trees of the east coast. Rated “2015 Best Value” ski by SKI Magazine.

Volkl Kendo

Sets the bar a notch higher for all mountain freeriding.

The Volkl Kendo is recommended by SkiGenie for the intermediate male skiers looking for a freeride aesthetics but packed with all mountain performance (50% frontside/50% off-piste). Easy handling on the groomers plus great soft snow performance, the Kendo takes any skier from the bowls to the frontside and back on a rock solid platform. You can really push these skis on fresh groomers.

Salomon Q-90

Explore all mountain terrain with a lightweight wood core, tip rocker and forgiving early rise tail.

The Salomon Q-90 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate adult male skiers looking for all mountain skis with high performance (65% frontside / 35% off-piste). A simple but forgiving ski that provides plenty of energy in the turns and also allows for off-piste fun (East Coast skiers should consider the Q-85).

Salomon X-Drive 8.8 FS

Blurs the line between high performance frontside carver and backside shredder.

The Salomon X-Drive 88 is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert adult male skiers as a frontside ski with a wider platform (80% frontside / 20% off-piste). Designed for those looking to carve bigger and faster turns, this ski delivers the confidence of holding an edge on just about anything.

Blizzard Brahma

Early rise tip, camber underfoot create a hard snow bias still great off trail.

The Blizzard Brahma is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced male adult skiers looking for an all mountain skis with a freeride look (70% frontside / 30% off-piste) to conquer the entire mountain including moguls, crud, trees and long fast groomers. At under 2 kilograms and sporting a simple design with sleek graphics, this is the perfect weapon for those who can’t decide between a freeride and all-mountain ski.

Fischer Motive 86 Ti

The Fischer Motive 86 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced level skiers as a no frills all mountain ski (80% frontside/20% off-piste). This is a great option for advancing skiers looking for a versatile ski with a lively attitude. The ski produces crisp clean arcs due to the two sheets of metal. An all mountain profile balances moderate flex with torsional rigidity.

Head REV 85 Pro

Metal reinforcement gives this ski a different, more trail-oriented flavor.

The Head REV 85 Pro is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert all mountain skiers (60% frontside/40% off-piste). Highly regarded in the all-mountain frontside category, it’s great in the crud or a few inches of snow. Testers also noted stability at high speeds and in the bumps. Design features include ERA 3.0 technology, which combines tip rocker plus a progressive radius for better edge contact and soft snow performance.

Volkl V-WERKS RTM

Gentlemen, start your engines – a ski that is 15% lighter, and even more stable at high speeds.

The Volkl V-WERKS RTM is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced male skiers looking for a light weight, agile all mountain ski machine (70% frontside/30% off-piste). The ski’s shape and more rigid tip spread the force evenly throughout the ski enabling it to snap off smooth, medium-radius arcs. The carbon construction improves performance on the backside, but don’t mistake this for a powder ski.

Atomic Nomad Blackeye Ti

ARC Technology, allowing it to flex easily and naturally for maximum versatility.

The Atomic Nomad Blackeye Ti is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert adult male skiers looking for an all-mountain option (70% frontside / 30% off-piste) versatile enough to handle any conditions, with a killer instinct to rip hero turns on groomed terrain. A similar model, the Nomad Smoke, comes at a lower price point and is more suitable to advancing beginners and intermediate skiers.

Top Frontside Carving Ski Reviews for Women

October 23rd, 2014

Top carving ski reviews and ski equipment gear guide for WOMEN looking to knife the groomers, crush the steeps and arc hard! We present our selection of this year’s award winning skis. When choosing the perfect pair of women’s carving skis you should consider your ability, how much you want to spend and how you plan to use the skis. Feel free to comment or email us with any questions.

Volkl Yumi

The Yumi is as delicious as it sounds – an all mountain free-ride ski with plenty of sidecut.

The Volkl Yumi is recommended by SkiGenie for beginner to intermediate female skiers (65% frontside/35% off-piste) looking for a ski that performs well in the variable conditions and tight spaces of the East Coast. The narrow, 83mm waist doesn’t allow for pronounced soft snow floatation, but it improves agility.

Salomon Quartz + XT12 Ti

Find maximum control and confidence to tackle the whole mountain for demanding skiers.

The Salomon Quartz is recommended by SkiGenie for beginner to intermediate adult women as a frontside ski with a more traditional look and feel (80% frontside / 20% off-piste). The softer flex aids advancing skiers with turning and balance.

Blizzard X-Viva 770 Ti IQ

Skis that are easy to turn but responsive and crisp when you ask them to be.

The Blizzard X-Viva 770 is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate women adult skiers looking for a softer, user-friendly frontside carving ski. The shape helps any skier carve perfectly sized turns at low or medium speeds. The construction does not include metal which makes it light weight, but not recommended for speed demons.

Atomic Cloud Eleven Arc

For ladies who stick to the piste but demand high performance.

The Atomic Cloud Eleven Arc is recommended by SkiGenie for advanced to expert adult women skiers as a frontside carving ski capable of taming the piste with deep edge sets and fast elegant turns. Good for skiers looking for something with pure performance and no funny business.

Fischer C-Line Devine

Light, stable and torsionally stiff to cater to the requirements of sporty women.

The Fischer C-Line Devine is recommended by SkiGenie for intermediate to advanced level women looking for a high performance frontside carving ski (100% frontside/0% off-piste). The full carbon jacket both stiffens and dampens this new speed demon. With Giant Slalom inspired performance this ski will hold firm edges in hard conditions and carve big turns exceptionally well.

Just when I thought I was too grown up to believe—Santa got satanic on me and dropped through my chimney with some Nordica Hells Bells women’s all mountain skis. Mother Nature gifted me too by sending me to Sugarloaf, Maine with an unheard of amount of East Coast powder. My first day out was in 15” of falling snow! At first I was nervous. Compared to my old Nordica Olympia Victory’s, the new width made me think the experience would be a challenge—like maneuvering two kayaks. But the skis stayed true to their design concept. I am 5’6” and the skis are 170 cm. After getting used to skiing in a wider stance the stability was exciting. The Hell’s Bells early rise “camRock” made turning easy through the soft moguls and random mounds of snow. I had to be careful not to overturn. With the new flotation, I cruised confidently through the fresh snow. Not being thrown around by the carved up rough patches at the end of the day was also a blessing.

I am an older skier—not quite retirement age—but old enough to know that a day or so after a New England snow comes a howling wind that exposes that firm crust from the last rain. Luckily the Hell’s Bells binding has a lift under the boots and I could really get over on my edge to carve my way down. All in all, skiing the Hell’s Bells was a great experience in fresh snow. I don’t know if the design would work in fields of super firm moguls—the more typical condition for New England—but it might be worth a try first.